It Starts Small

“Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭3‬:‭7‬ ‭CSB‬

In Genesis, while reading the story of creation, we can acknowledge that the glory of God consumed the Garden of Eden and covered the nakedness of Adam and Eve. The moment they sinned, something instantly happened. Their eyes were opened and they knew they were naked and exposed before God.

They instinctively decided to try and cover their shame up in their own terms and their own method. They made temporary coverings by sewing fig leaves together.

We learn that we too have that instinct in us to wasn’t to cover our own spiritual and emotional nakedness and it is a universal defense against being exposed. When we hold on to shame, we are like Adam and Eve, trying in our own way to cover it up. Hiding and covering is only a temporary relief from stress, to compensate what we lost, distract us from reality, and numb our troubled souls.

In today’s terms how do we cover our shame?

Busyness

Addictions

Entertainment

Perfectionism

Religion

I am sure I am missing other ways. Take a moment and think about how you are covering shame.

What is your preferred shame covering and why?

How has this cover served you?

“The Lord God made clothing from skins for the man and his wife, and he clothed them.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭3‬:‭21‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Before God banished Adam and Eve from the garden, He tenderly clothed them. He clothes them with “clothing from the skins of animals”. This implies an animal sacrifice was made. They were covered through the shedding of blood and is the first Biblical reference and prophetic reference of redemption and atonement.

Our Savior, Christ Jesus, through nakedness and vulnerability on the cross, plowed a way for our redemption and atonement. His righteousness is the garment that covers our sin and shame. We are mercifully and eternally covered.

What does that mean to you: “I am covered in Christ”

“For the Scripture says, Everyone who believes on him will not be put to shame,”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭11‬ ‭CSB‬‬

“keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Shame Part 1: Where are you?
Shame Part 2: The Naked Truth
SHame Part 3: Enough Already
Shame Part 4: Jars of Clay
Shame Part 5: Weight Watches
Shame Part 6: Death to Selfie
Shame Part 7: Empowered by Empathy
Shame Part 8: Scorning Shame